Advanced University of Ulster research into the security of digital technologies is sparking keen commercial interest.

Researchers at the Intelligent Systems Research Centre at Magee are stepping up work on ensuring the security of transmitted data through hidden software messages.

Cutting edge processes developed at Magee will have a wide variety of uses. They could be used to help tighten security at airport check-ins and other public access points, to ensure secure transmission of sensitive information such as medical records and as a means of strengthening protection of copyright.

The project has been backed by an offer of almost £100,000 from Invest Northern Ireland, partly financed by the European Regional Development Fund.

The team is specifically investigating digital “watermarking” and how it can be used to hide personal or sensitive data in photo images, identity cards and other digital media.

The research team, Dr Joan Condell, Dr Kevin Curran , Prof Paul McKevitt, Abbas Cheddad and Peter Devine , say digital technology is opening up ‘steganography’ and the scope for covert watermarking,

Steganography is the science of writing hidden software messages which are concealed in such a way that only the sender and intended recipient realise they exist.

The researchers, who are part of the School of Computing and Intelligent Systems at the Londonderry campus, have already discussed their research with three Northern Ireland companies who have expressed an interest.

Dr Condell said: “They are very interested in our research and, with their advice, we are developing prototypes in two specific application areas.  We hope to secure further funding for collaboration with the companies.”

Steganography can be used to send covert or sensitive information over open communication lines, Dr Condell revealed.

“It’s not to be confused with cryptography, which simply obscures the meaning of the message but not the fact that there is a message.”

Carol Keery, Invest NI’s Director of Innovation, Research and Technology, said: “This project is yet another example of the high calibre research and development capability in Northern Ireland’s universities producing a product concept with significant commercial potential.

“With numerous possible real world applications, the market opportunity for the University of Ulster’s digital watermarking system could be vast. I wish the team every success as it works to bring the system from a concept through to a saleable product.”

Although the first recorded use of the term steganography dates back hundreds of years, it is a relatively new area of academic research. It was thrust into the media spotlight following reports that terrorists may have used steganography to communicate via the internet when planning attacks.

The research is funded from a variety of sources, including the Higher Education Innovation Fund, HE/FE Collaboration Project Fund and Ulster’s Office of Innovation Proof of Principle Fund.

Digital technology is making life easier for steganographers because it presents many more opportunities for embedding and disguising messages. 

Dr Condell explained: “Steganography conceals information within computer files. Media files are ideal for steganographic transmission because of their large size. The advantage of steganography over cryptography is that the messages do not attract attention to themselves in the same way that visibly encrypted messages will.

“Digital watermarks are embedded directly into content. They are imperceptible to humans but readable by computers. This technology has potential to be used in identity cards or in secure tamperproof CCTV technology.

“The digital watermarks are recognised by enabled software or hardware. They can authenticate, track or monitor and in this way they can enhance security.  Hence they enable access to additional data which adds to the process’s security value.”

Dr Condell confirmed: “Further work is planned to test and establish the commercial viability of applying the techniques to other markets where there is a common need for undetectable but easily-retrievable authentication information."

• Invest NI has offered £98,074 to the University of Ulster to take forward the steganography project. More information on the R&D support available from Invest NI is available at www.investni.com/r+d

For further information, please contact:

Martin Cowley
Telephone: 028 71675083
Email: Martin Cowley